Ringstead Parish Council provides your local services. We strive to make Ringstead a better place to live, work and play. Our website includes a wealth of information about how we conduct business and what we do. Use the search or browse the site to find whatever you are looking for. If you can't find the information you require then please contact us.

Ringstead Parish Council would like to invite you to join this year's Community Speed Watch program. Community Speed Watch is a scheme to help people reduce traffic speeding through their neighbourhood. Excessive speed through our village is one of the most common issues raised with the Parish Councillors and Neighbourhood Planning Group and has an impact not only on road safety but on the quality of life for those residents that endure it.

Community Speed Watch is a volunteer programme, run between the Police and Northamptonshire town and Parish Councils. The program aims to increase the awareness of the dangers of speeding through education. Drivers detected for speeding receive a Police Warning letter and their records are held to identify any repeat offenders. Repeat offenders (2 or more) can also expect a visit from the police. More »

Having registered as a volunteer you will be offered a training course run by Northamptonshire Police on the 25th August 2018 0930HRS – 1215HRS (Approx) venue: Caroline Chisolm School, Wooldale Road, Northampton, NN4 6TP.

The course covers the use of the equipment, insurance, training in conflict resolution and there is an option for basic first aid if required. The training comprises of two modules and will last for a maximum of 2 hours.

As volunteers we will run sessions between 8th to 16th Sept / 24th to 30th Sept and the 8th to 13th of Oct 2018 noting the date, time, colour, make, model and registration number of any vehicles exceeding the speed limit. The results will then be forwarded to the Police who will then arrange for the registered keeper of the vehicle to be written to, informing them that the vehicle was detected exceeding the speed limit, giving the location, date and time. Persistent speeders will receive a second letter but on the third occasion they can expect further action to be taken by the police.

If you are interested and able to help with this year's Speedwatch please review the dates and times listed below pick the dates and times that you would like to do and let me know.

It has been reported to the police that doorstep scams have been operating in the Ringstead area. No cash or items were taken as the quick thinking homeowner saw the signs of a doorstep scam and called the police.

What is a doorstep scam?

Doorstep scams take place when someone comes to your door with the aim of scamming you out of your money or trying to gain access to your home to steal items from inside. More »

While there are legitimate tradespeople and officials, it's wise to be on your guard when you answer your door. Doorstep scammers can be persuasive or pushy but also polite or friendly, and it can be easy to fall victim. It's especially important to be vigilant and aware if you live on your own.

What are some common types of doorstep scams?

There are many different types of doorstep scams, and here are five you should be aware of.

Rogue traders: A cold-caller may offer you a service you don't really need. They may try to push you into agreeing to unnecessary home repairs or improvements, often at extortionate prices. A common tactic is when they claim to have noticed something about your property that needs work or improvement.

Bogus officials: A common trick is when someone pretends to be from your electricity or gas company as a way to get into your home and steal from you.

Bogus charity collections: A fraudster may ask you to donate money, clothing or household goods for a charity. In fact, this is a trick to steal money from you. Any items you give will be sold on. Legitimate charities must be registered with the Charity Commission and their registration details displayed on collection bags and envelopes.

Fake consumer surveys: Some scammers ask you to complete a survey so they can get hold of your personal details, or use it as a cover for persuading you to buy something you don't want or need.

Hard luck stories: Someone with a hard luck story may come to your door and ask you to help them out with cash. The story they tell you is made up and intended to con you out of your money.

How can I protect myself from doorstep scams?

Don't feel embarrassed about refusing to let someone into your home. Only let someone in when you're absolutely sure that they're genuine and you want them in your home.

Before you go to open your front door, make sure the back door and windows are shut and locked. Not sure? Don't open the door.

Put up a deterrent sign. You could put a 'no cold callers' sign up on your door or window, which should deter any cold callers from knocking on your door

Don't feel pressured. Don't agree to sign a contract or hand over money until you've talked to someone you trust. Never feel pressured into giving money to someone you don't know. Call the police if you think you're being scammed.

Don't share your PIN. Never disclose your PIN number or let anyone persuade you to hand over your bank card or go to the bank to withdraw cash for a payment

Check their credentials. You should always check a seller or trader's credentials before agreeing to purchase their products or services. Ask for their identity card and check it carefully. Phone the company they represent – get the number from your phone book rather than calling a number they give you. Keep the numbers for your utilities services handy so you can easily call and check an official's identity.

Call the police. Finally, remember that you can dial 999 if you're suspicious or the caller won't leave. Call the police non-emergency number 101 if you're not in immediate danger but want to report an incident.

What should I do if I've been a victim of a doorstep scam?

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people and doorstep scams are changing all the time. If you've been the victim of a scam don't be embarrassed to report it. It can happen to anyone of any age.

Report the scam to the police and contact Action Fraud. The information you give to Action Fraud can help track down the scammer.